Zalgiris of the next year

[Straight forward]

Your dreams, wishes, offers. What kind of Zalgiris would you like to see next year? (o8/09 season)

My pick.

The head coach: 1. J. Kazlauskas. 2. K. Kemzura. 3. R. Butautas.
Assistant coaches: 1. R. Grigas. 2. D. Maskoliunas.

Players to keep:

J. Maciulis, P. Jankunas, M. Kalnietis, D. Collins, Z. Janavicius, D. Motiejunas, S. Vasiliauskas. D. Salenga. E. Zukauskas (if he'll be healthy at the end of the season)

Players who should go:

M. Brown (we need young player working for a team in both sides of the court), Mamadou (he can stay in if Zukauskas will be out), Markota (not ready for EL), Milaknis (second Zalgiris team), Popovic (it's time to move on, Popo is too expensive and is making too less difference and i don't like how the guy is taking decisions).

Players to take in (potentially):

V. Stimac, P. Butkevicius.

[Afraid]

Your dreams, wishes, offers. What kind of Zalgiris would you like to see next year?

My pick.

The head coach: 1. J. Kazlauskas. 2. K. Kemzura. 3. R. Butautas.
Assistant coaches: 1. R. Grigas. 2. D. Maskoliunas.

Players to keep:

J. Maciulis, P. Jankunas, M. Kalnietis, D. Collins, Z. Janavicius, D. Motiejunas, S. Vasiliauskas. D. Salenga. E. Zukauskas (if he'll be healthy at the end of the season)

Players who should go:

M. Brown (we need young player working for a team in both sides of the court), Mamadou (he can stay in if Zukauskas will be out), Markota (not ready for EL), Milaknis (second Zalgiris team), Popovic (it's time to move on, Popo is too expensive and is making too less difference and i don't like how the guy is taking decisions).

Players to take in (potentially):

V. Stimac, P. Butkevicius.
It would be nice to have that kind of team, but i think if collins stays he will play 40 minutes and Kalnas with Janavicius will warm the bench.
Sometimes ir looks like Kalnietis should get the main PG spot, otherwise he wont get almost any spot at all :(

[sashikas]

I would say, everything depends on whether we get the LKL title this year or not. If we do, we have enough Euroleague points to leave next season for "gaining experience" and still secure a new Euroleague three year contract.

I would prefer to keep all as much lithuanians in the roster as it is possible. Žalgiris' bosses have claimed in some article, that their goal is to have only lithuanians in their roster in couple years. But the quality of several current team's players is questionable.

I have no doubts in Jankūnas', Mačiulis' and Žukauskas' abilities. I know what to expect from them and I think they all would be very useful for next year's Žalgiris. I would only like to wish a bit more agressiveness for the first one, a bit more stability for the second and a lot more health for the third. If everything goes right, Paulius will probably have his first summer of rest in quite a while. Jonas will get some practice in the camps of the National team, and probably might get into the Olympic roster, but the competition is really intence.

Now the other players, who dont have such stable positions..

IMHO, Milaknis should be loaned out to Nevėžis or some other LKL team to gain experience and maybe return some day to the Green's roster. If he will be lucky enough, he will repeat Mačiulis' story. But I would expect him to grow into someone alike Aleksandrovas.

Kalnietis has a big question mark near his name too. He needs to gain playing time and a spot in the starting five in a team where he could be considered as a leader and wouldnt be benched whenever he makes couple turnovers. I would think a place in Šiauliai's roster and playing experience in ULEB cup would be a good place for him next year. If not Šiauliai, then maybe ASK Riga, but as far as I remember Butautas has some issues with Žalgiris and vice versa.

To my mind, Šalenga in the start of this season underperformed quite big, but later his form got better, but Grigas simply didn't let him in just because he had either Mačiulis or too many players on the SG positions, which brought the team playing with three guards on court during some periods of the game. I think Dainius still has some guts, and if the team will get another coach, then he should be kept and should be given another chance.

Now the foreigners.

Collins should be kept by all means necessary. He's one of the best playmakers in the Euroleague, he is a tough defender, and I just love his interviews, his sarcastic view on everything. I would say he's the soul of the team, as once A.Bowie was. You can't let such players go easily.

Once in autumn there was Popovič's interview in some spanish paper, that he would like to leave next season. After that Marko said, that that's bullshit, he didn't say that, etc. Speaking honestly, I won't buy that. We signed Marko for quite a small amount of money for couple seasons, comparing the sum with the contracts of other players. And it is natural, that Popo feels notsogood about that. He wants to earn more, and he deserves to earn more. We signed him to be the main point guard of the team, and he turned out to become our shooting guard of the bench, our secret wearpon, who might change the outcome of the game. It won't be easy for the fans, but I guess Marko won't be here next season.

Marcus Brown should stay, I guess. Žalgiris is a good place for players, who are aproaching their retirement decision point. Aproaching, but not yet reached that. He has a lot experience, which can be passed to younger players of the team, and the practices with such a player will give them a lot. Not mentioning, that he still gives a lot on court himself.

Other foreigners should leave. Jurak has a great mentality, but a bit too little fundamentals. Mamadou seems to be a great guy, he likes everything here, but we should land some center, that can do more than just defend. Markota is young promising player, but we have similar players on our bench or in the second squad, who can easily repeat the things he does on court.

The ones to invite:

Tadas Klimavičius was rumoured to join the team at the time when Markota was signed for the rest of the season. Back then Navikauskas told, that the club is talking with the player about the upcoming year. So it is quite possible that Tadas will rejoin the club after quite a break. And as far as it is reported in our basketball websites, he is doing just fine in Greece.

Povilas Butkevičius is having a fine season in Kėdainiai. I remember the LKL game in that town between then and Žalgiris, when Michael Bradley looked hopeless against this young former A.Sabonis school student, despite having 10+ centimeter height advantage. Povilas has to be invited at least for a trial.

Renaldas Seibutis' contract with Oly was signed for three years. First year he played under Kazlauskas, second - was loaned out to Maroussi, and now he was recovering from the back injury for more than a half of the season. So it means, that his contract comes to an end. But I have some crops of a report in my memory, that he has extended his contract. Can anybody confirm this information? If I am wrong, why wouldn't Žalgiris want to sign him?


Another piece of discussion: Who should be promoted from Žalgiris-A.Sabonio mokykla to the main team? I would say noone, if they manage to get to LKL. Let them play along each other and grow as a team. They will surprise a lot of people then..

[ArkadiosV2]

Renaldas Seibutis' contract with Oly was signed for three years. First year he played under Kazlauskas, second - was loaned out to Maroussi, and now he was recovering from the back injury for more than a half of the season. So it means, that his contract comes to an end. But I have some crops of a report in my memory, that he has extended his contract. Can anybody confirm this information? If I am wrong, why wouldn't Žalgiris want to sign him?
I think that he has extended his contract too. And it is rumoured that Maroussi will ask to loan him for next season too. And the truth is that he had his best season in Maroussi last season and he was extremely happy there...

[Sss]

Well, here is my ideas and wishes :D :
a) this season we have the weakest frontline in somewhat 4-5 years. And this is our reserve in order to have the better team next season. We really need reliable (on both ends) centre. I know, that those are hard to find in Europe and they are not cheap. But Zalgiris can afford one shot and it would be a good idea not to mess things with the guy like Mottola (our most expensive player in previous season :D ).
b) our PG-SG-SF line is too thick for a team like Zalgiris. There is always someone that complains about the playing time (and I understand them). Popovic, Salenga, I believe that Kalnietis also would like to have a little bit more time with the ball. So we can just get rid of Popo (although I really like his passion) and to fill the gap by giving more time to Salenga (can easily play SG), Kalnietis and even introducing some time to Vasiliauskas and(or) Janavicius.
c) of course the main targets will be to keep Maciulis and Jankunas.

This is how I think the Zalgiris will look next season (If we will keep Jankunas and Maciulis):
C: 2 foreign players or one foreign player, E.Zukauskas and V.Stimac.
PF: P.Jankunas, D.Motiejunas, A.Klimavicius.
SF: J.Maciulis, D.Salenga.
SG: M.Brown, A.Milaknis.
PG: DJ.Collins (or some other american PG), M.Kalnietis, Z.Janavicius and(or) S.Vasiliauskas.

[sashikas]

PF: P.Jankunas, D.Motiejunas, A.Klimavicius.

Do you think he will quit his General manager's spot in Šiauliai for this position? :D

[Sss]

Do you think he will quit his General manager's spot in Šiauliai for this position? :D

heh... good one :D . You never know ;) .

[TchatoLT]

You guys want to keep Eurelijus in the team?
Come on, he's too old. He's just ruining the game for Žalgiris. He is a zero offensively and his defence is not so good anymore too.
Mamadou N'Diaye is much better. Motiejūnas should replace Žukauskas.

[Straight forward]

Another piece of discussion: Who should be promoted from Žalgiris-A.Sabonio mokykla to the main team? I would say noone, if they manage to get to LKL. Let them play along each other and grow as a team. They will surprise a lot of people then..

I was about to ask the same. I think most of Zalgiris fans wants to see these players (Motiejunas, Janavicius, Vasiliauskas) in the main roster as fast as it possible. Interesting fact that these players are already in the list and that i guess shows that Zalgiris managment wishes are the same as fans. We saw Motiejunas in Euroleague already. He could easily fight there (by skills), but his body is not ready yet. I think the same would go to Janavicius, Vasiliauskas and some others. It would be great if they would play in LKL (Zalgiris- A. Sabonio mokykla) and would get big minutes, now that would be just perfect for them. Some additional experiance in EL would be advantage. M. Kalnietis is perfect youngster to give a chance for big minutes in Zalgiris next year.




This is how I think the Zalgiris will look next season (If we will keep Jankunas and Maciulis):
C: 2 foreign players or one foreign player, E.Zukauskas and V.Stimac.
PF: P.Jankunas, D.Motiejunas, A.Klimavicius.
SF: J.Maciulis, D.Salenga.
SG: M.Brown, A.Milaknis.
PG: DJ.Collins (or some other american PG), M.Kalnietis, Z.Janavicius and(or) S.Vasiliauskas.

V. Stimac is tipical PF, imo. And i think there's no way Milaknis is ready for Euroleague. I actually can't see his talent at all. He needs to find him self in LKL. No way he can take the second SG spot next year.

[Sss]

V. Stimac is tipical PF, imo. And i think there's no way Milaknis is ready for Euroleague. I actually can't see his talent at all. He needs to find him self in LKL. No way he can take the second SG spot next year.

I didn't said that Milaknis is ready for EL. I just didn't wanted to leave SG spot with one player ;) .
V.Stimac is a center. Maybe his height and athletism rises some questions (this is why he isn't NBA prospect), but Petravicius for example is 207. Stimac compensates this with his mass. Anyway, if we define the center as a player which plays the closer to the basket than his other four teamates. Then Stimac is 100% center.

Concerning youngsters and main team. Motiejunas must be (and will be) in the main team next year. If everything goes according to plan, Motiejunas will be in the NBA or in a very rich European club at somewhat 21 yo (damn I hate those rich clubs so much :mad: ). And there is nothing that we can do. So I, as Zalgiris fan, would like to see him for at least 3-5 years in the main Zalgiris team. Besides, he can be already very useful in EL in the PF position.

[Basketball GOD]

few comments:
e. zukauskas - too old.
collins - i despise his playing style so much that i think i am going to puke if he will play in zalgiris next year.
maciulis - i am so pissed of his lack of brain and his fadeaway three pointers from 7 meters that i wouldn't be disappointed of his absence next year. he can go barcelona or whatever his dream is and ride bench there.
n'daye or whatever that dude name is - i don't know. at the beginning he looked quite decent but the more he plays the more i don't want him on zalgiris.
jankunas - must stay.
kalnietis - i don't know. sometimes quite good sometimes quite bad but he didn't get his chance.
stimac - dude is undersized, unathletic, out of shape center. that doesn't sound like euroleague player.
butkevicius - i have a crush on how he plays but not sure if he is ready for euroleague. 50/50.
janavicius, vasiliauskas - they will ride bench, no point of taking them to zalgiris.
motiejunas - don't know. he has little euroleague experience and is quite talented but if grigas will be coach next year he also will ride the bench.
grigas - he is mediocre. nothing more.
jurak - such type of players are essential for good teams but nor zalgiris is good team nor grigas know how to utilize him so probably no point of keeping him.

there are talks that zalgiris is negotiating with big investor so this could change situation dramatically so i won't give names who i want.
also another thing is this year's LKL finals. If zalgiris wins they almost guarantee euroleague ticket and in this case team could be made younger next year.

[auris1]

I kind of agree with you.
But then it leaves us without any players at all.

[Test]

ok first of all I will write my opinion. I am not brainwashed kaunas fan like majority here so my opinion will be very clear I think (may sound arrogant but it is not)

Remove:
Grigas - send him to Syberia with DJ Ginevicius
Shalenga - send him back to Zilinai
he will be more valuable if he will do this job:
http://muziejus.moletai.lt/Seduikio/4.jpg

Marcus Brown - Yes he won lots of games by himself, but he is very unstable and expencive and old. Send him back to russia too
Marco Popovic - Very expencive and zalgiris did not use his skills (unless a normal coach will arive)
Milaknis - unles you like his loseability

Really need to keep:

Maciulis
Jankunas
Motiejunas
Mamadou
DC


First of all I wish only good for zalgiris (even if i hate stupid fans). Adding a good normal coach will change this team dramatycaly - yes I know someone will scream that grigas is good, but when LSD effect will over they will scream differentaly. I never forget an episode when grigas is telling important things to the team and the black muketeers and markota are not listening grigas and then zalgiris loses and then explanations on the press conference happens...

I forgot to mention that the main creature that should leave zalgiris - Eurelijus Zukauskas. I heard he is so old that he owe money to Adolf Hitler.. No seriously how old is he ? a thousant? No Team For Old Men

Zalgiris crew have a good skill finding a good players, but also a good skill to ruin theyr careers... Subtract the second skill and we have a perfect team.

I wish also to see Kalnietis and Janavicius playing as a backup pointguards, or they can sit and everybody will wait how they will improove. I heard Kalnietis will go to the Olympics to the Sitting contest. Janavicius is his main favourite.

And the main advice to all zalgiris fans and zalgiris: Please stop dreaming and living in a dreams - a fake thoughts transformed to the ilusions - don't talk any shit, just DO!

[Straight forward]

Our beloved Test is back finally! :p

[rikhardur]

OK Žukauskas is old, but couldn't he stay with the team and still become an option? I think he's still a valuable player to any team, he's got experience, height and good moves, those could still be used and produce a nice result imo.

[Test]

There is a nice article about Lithuanian Zalgiris.

http://www.krepsinis.net/blog.php?blog_id=78252#cform

Nice reading but unfortunatly this is only utopia

[vaslover]

I think for P.Jankunas and especially for Maciulis is time to go abroad. I think it would be really good if Zalgiris owner let them go. In our life is very important to use chance if we have him... Look,if to see situation objectively you wouldn,t reach the Final 4 in 2009,so what the point for Zalgiris to keep them in a team like monuments?!... By the way,i don,t think that Maciulis has lack brain in games. I,m russian but i saw many EL matches with him. First of all, he,s very passional player. It,s very good point for him,i think if Barsa would use his best abilities in right way, it would be good points for both of them.
And why you so afraid to lose them?!:) You,ve so many youngsters! I think Klimavichius and Sinica can replace them. Probably in first period Zalgiris would be has some difficulties,but during the season,when they,ll adapt in the team you,ll see their availability.

[Test]

I think for P.Jankunas and especially for Maciulis is time to go abroad. I think it would be really good if Zalgiris owner let them go. In our life is very important to use chance if we have him... Look,if to see situation objectively you wouldn,t reach the Final 4 in 2009,so what the point for Zalgiris to keep them in a team like monuments?!... By the way,i don,t think that Maciulis has lack brain in games. I,m russian but i saw many EL matches with him. First of all, he,s very passional player. It,s very good point for him,i think if Barsa would use his best abilities in right way, it would be good points for both of them.
And why you so afraid to lose them?!:) You,ve so many youngsters! I think Klimavichius and Sinica can replace them. Probably in first period Zalgiris would be has some difficulties,but during the season,when they,ll adapt in the team you,ll see their availability.

Maciulis and Jankunas suppose to be key players in Zalgiris. Zalgiris must keep Lithuanians in Lithuanian team. They are the only young Lithuanians who get minutes to play. Kalnietis in the team is just in case if Collins, Popo and Brown will be injured at the same time.
What the point for Zalgiris if Maciulis or Jankunas will play in Barca? look at iliasova...
Or look at Simas Jasaitis. Rytas let him to TAU Ceramica and now he is one of the greatest towel experts in the world.


http://www.infobasket.lt/dizainas/leagues_logo/kalnietis-tv-pagalba-infobasket.jpgMantas Kalnietis appears in one of the worsest TV shows on planet Earth and guess how much he improoved during that time?

[TchatoLT]

Jankūnas and Mačiulis have to stay for sure. They have been improving a lot every year and this year both of them were the leaders of the team. It's a Lithuanian club, so you need some players from Lithuania who have a big impact on the game.

Kalnietis should stay if DC,Popo,Brown leaves, but I have a feeling that Žalgiris will just buy some other cheap American and Kalnietis will stay on the bench.

Žalgiris should integrate 2-3 young Lithuanians from their youth team. Best options are Janavičius and Motiejūnas. Motiejūnas could replace Eurelijus, but the chances for Janavičius to play at this level depend on who stays in the team next year.

As for the foreigners, I think that DC and Popovic should stay, Brown should leave, Markota should stay because he is very tall and can play as a center successfully. He would be needed to replace N'Diaye sometimes and maybe he would even become the main center if N'Diaye's health doesn't improve. Jurak is a good fighter and should also stay for next year IMO.

My rough squad for next year:

Big men: N'Diaye, Markota, Motiejūnas, Jurak, Jankūnas, Mačiulis.
Small men: Collins, Popovič, Kalnietis, Janavičius.

I think this squad could do a lot in the Euroleague because most players would remain the same as last year and would know each other very well. Popovič could shine because of the departure of Brown and Marko could become the leader of the club together with DC,JM and PJ. The bench would be very solid and the squad would have good depth.

[sashikas]

Marko Popovič on his possibilities to stay next year:

"I have heard a lot of rumours about myself. I don't know, which of them to believe, and which to ignore. But it looks like, that the club will have new owners, and they will decide, which players to keep, and who will have to search for new place of employment.
Let's finish this season, and then we will see. Off course I will giving advantage to "Žalgiris" - I am saying it honestly and without any hypocrisy. But of course there is a "but". If I will be negotiating for the new contract, I would like to hear from the owners something about the goals of the team and about my role in the team.
But I will repeat - I would gladly stay in Kaunas team."
Link (http://www.lrytas.lt/-12104056991209089976-p2-Sportas-M-Popovi%C4%8Dius-Pirmenyb%C4%99-teiksiu-%C5%BDalgiriui-bet.htm)

[Marius123]

Some factors which might have their impact on the roster:

1) New co-owners? (rich concern "MG Baltic", which would buy out the Kaunas City Municipality's part of 35% (IIRC) of Žalgiris' shares. This could mean additional injection of money (the municipality gives less money to Žalgiris' budget than is their share). This could also mean changes in team management.

2) New coach? After the failure of Bagatskis, Grigas was hired as an interim coach. He stated himself that he wouldn't be against to work as an assistant with a more experienced coach. J. Kazlauskas recently told in an interview, that he could return to Lithuania. (There's also Rytas there, though their relations aren't probably very good.)

3) Goals for the next season. Žalgiris has already won the Euroleague 3-year period against Rytas, securing a new Euroleague contract from 2009 onwards. Will they relax and go with younger players, sacrificing results to some extent? Or serious attempt will be made in the Euroleague?

4) Will Žalgiris second team be accepted to the LKL? The place of several youngsters depends on this.

Priorities, IMHO:

1. Build on the basis of our strong guard line. That is: Keep Collins. Keep Brown with him. If necessary, let Marko go, but Marcus should stay. There's this natural pairing of Collins + Brown, both on court and off court. Marcus is a higher level player and won't need to recover after injury, like he had this year. And it'll be easier to keep Collins if we have Brown, won't it?

2. Keep Mačiulis and Jankūnas. This will require some money - go for it. We can let them go when we have some new local talents grown up to the level of serious contributors.



Current list of players one might talk about (those belonging to Žalgiris, plus those in which Žalgiris is/might be interested at the level of rumours):

PG: Collins, Kalnietis, Vasiliauskas, Janavičius

Hopefully, Colllins signs a new contract. Kalnietis stays. Vasiliauskas and Janavičius - to the 2nd team, if it plays in LKL, otherwise - send them on loan.

SG: Popovic, Brown, Slanina, Milaknis

Brown will stay, I think (he mentioned this in his interview recently). I'd like to see Popovic stay as well, but now it's up to him, I guess he might like bigger role and playing time than he receives at Žalgiris with Brown. If Marko goes - we'll need a replacement (could Slanina do it, considering Maskoliūnas' connections and Trefl's problems?). Milaknis could go to Žalgiris-2, if it's in LKL; otherwise - stay in the team like this year.

SF: Mačiulis, Šalenga, Timinskas, Sinica

Keep Mačiulis. Is Šalenga staying? I hope he is. Timinskas' contract with Pamesa is ending, Žalgiris has been interested in him for some years now, there might be something there. (I'm not sure about overloaded position... Šalenga, though, can move to play SG - his preferred role when he was together with Timinskas.) Sinica - not sure there's a place for him if Žalgiris collects more serious players.

PF: Jankūnas, Markota, Jurak, Čepukaitis, Klimavičius, Masiulis, Butkevičius

Jankūnas - like Mačiulis, give him more money and keep him. One of Markota and Jurak will stay, I guess. Considering these LKL finals, Markota ought to be the one, and Goran will be thanked for his hard work and bidden farewell. Some interesting possibilities with Lithuanian candidates here.

C: Žukauskas, N'Diaye, Motiejūnas, Štimac, Javtokas, D. Lavrinovičius, Woods

Žalgiris will be looking for the main center. N'Diaye is too risky after that injury, he might be still not recovered into the start of the next season. Woods - one of the possibilities, if he doesn't make it to the NBA. Lavrinovičius - not within Žalgiris' reach. Javtokas - bad utility/price ratio. There'll be some other name, I guess.

Back-up centers... Žukauskas - keep him with limited minutes. Štimac - try him there also. Motiejūnas - to the second team, if it's in the LKL.

[lafa]

PG - Collins, Kalnietis (he must stay as PG, because he doesn't have a hand of SG), Janavicius

SG - Brown, Salenga (even though he wasn't as effective as before, he is a very good defensive player and could bury occasional triple)

if there is a way to keep Pop, I'd keep him, he can play both PG and SG and gime a team needed boost from the bench.

SF - Maciulis, Butkevicius

PF - Jankunas, Klimavicius, Markota (can play both PF and C)

C - Stimac, Motiejunas, Zukauskas

Janavicius, Motiejunas and Butkevicius MUST participate in all LKL and BBL games.

[Straight forward]

I would like to see Seibutis playing for Zalgiris. Somehow i feel that J. Kazlauskas already has agreement with Zalgiris, that would be another reason for Seibutis to come back in Lithuania. It's realy shame that such talent is wasting in Oly's bench. What do these guys think? (Seibutis, Kavaliauskas, Andriuskevicius, Katelynas). They would have all chances to progress in Lithuania. Let Popovic to play for more minutes in other club (he realy needs that) and take Seibutis and give him 20 minutes in Euroleague.

[lafa]

seibutis is a good choice, but he was very happy with marrousi and it looks like he's heading there for the next season.
kavaliauskas is not good yet... i consider stimac a better choice.
katelynas is no good and i doubt he ever will be...

[sermuonelis]

Today Navikauskas stated that he will try to keep all current players for the next season. As we all know Zalgiris promised to have more Lithuanians next season. I wonder where will they play? http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79138

[lafa]

Today Navikauskas stated that he will try to keep all current players for the next season. As we all know Zalgiris promised to have more Lithuanians next season. I wonder where will they play? http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79138

and what would you say about a team, that just won a championship? we starting a team rebuilding process so most of the veteran players will be released?? :D

[sashikas]

According to krepsinis.net (http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79238), the application of Žalgiris-A.Sabonio mokykla to join the LKL was approved.

[C-ka]

According to krepsinis.net (http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79238), the application of Žalgiris-A.Sabonio mokykla to join the LKL was approved.
I guess now it would make sense for Zalgiris to try to keep both Popo ad Ferrari (however difficult that would be), as a guy like Janavicius now will most probably will be left in the second team.

Overall, fantastic news for the whole Zalgiris organisation, IMHO, and generally for lithuanian basketball too. I can't wait what comes out of this in 2-3 years or even after the team's first season.

[Roy M]

Two Local Magazins in Tel-Aviv wrote today that Maccabi interstied in De Collins.

No links, but as the same, not 100% reliable.

[hot_sauce23]

Two Local Magazins in Tel-Aviv wrote today that Maccabi interstied in De Collins.

No links, but as the same, not 100% reliable.


Oh no, take Price, he's the better one :D

[LuDux]

According to krepsinis.net (http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79238), the application of Žalgiris-A.Sabonio mokykla to join the LKL was approved.

Off-topic, this team has nothing to do with Zalgiris:D

[lafa]

Off-topic, this team has nothing to do with Zalgiris:D

right... this team has nothing to do with zalgiris and vainauskas will not be involved in rytas management :D

[rusher]

Well, the first thing is where (in Siemens Arena, Vilniaus?) Zalgiris will play their games next year because Latvian media (esports.lv) says that they won't be allowed to play in old Kauno Arena anymore.

[Straight forward]

Well, the first thing is where (in Siemens Arena, Vilniaus?) Zalgiris will play their games next year because Latvian media (esports.lv) says that they won't be allowed to play in old Kauno Arena anymore.

That's right, Zalgiris will play in Vilnius or Riga.

[Sss]

Well, the first thing is where (in Siemens Arena, Vilniaus?) Zalgiris will play their games next year because Latvian media (esports.lv) says that they won't be allowed to play in old Kauno Arena anymore.

I understand that esports.lv uses the source www.krepsinis.net for this info. There was interview with G.Navikauskas and he mentioned Siemens arena and Riga just to put some presure on the Kaunas municipality (not the first time). Because of the cube thing in Kaunas Darius and Girenas arena.

There was a meeting this month between EL and Zalgiris. EL will not interupt because of the bad state of Kaunas arena as long as the new arena works will progress. If in the 2009-2010 season there will be plain in the place where arena should be builded, we will be in big trouble.

[rusher]

I understand that esports.lv uses the source www.krepsinis.net for this info. There was interview with G.Navikauskas and he mentioned Siemens arena and Riga just to put some presure on the Kaunas municipality (not the first time). Because of the cube thing in Kaunas Darius and Girenas arena.

There was a meeting this month between EL and Zalgiris. EL will not interupt because of the bad state of Kaunas arena as long as the new arena works will progress. If in the 2009-2010 season there will be plain in the place where arena should be builded, we will be in big trouble.
Well, I can't imagine Zalgiris playing in Vilniaus or even more, in another country, in Riga, besides Arena Riga will be so packed next year that... Barons and ASK have contracts to play there, as TTT Riga will play their Euroleague games there too and Dinamo Riga hockey club. And even VEF Riga want to play in Arena. And that's not counting other hockey and basketball tournaments and concerts. Some hockey people even want to built one more 6 000 arena in Riga for their needs as this one built for hockey championship now is a basketball arena.

[Straight forward]

Zalgiris will play at home after all!
http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=79407

[Test[banned]]

Nobody knows where zalgiris will play. Everything changes every day.

Like that neverending story about arena. kaunas Arena should be biult by now, but... they even don't know who will built it yet..

They just know couple words: "WE WILL!" and nothing more

[C-ka]

according to the famous Lietuvos rytas newspaper, the salary that Zalgiris has offered to J. Maciulis (800k euro:rolleyes: ) ir practically equal to the one that H. Price will get in Dynamo Moscow (1.25mio $). Wow, they sure know other teams pay such money for players, but somehow forget to mention their own salaries. Anyway, the paper also states that Price will get "three times more" money in Moscow than in Vilnius. So, mathematically, using the numbers the newspaper itself gives us, we can calculate that Hollis price was getting... around 277k euro a season in Vilnius... Man, I know he was a bargain.

[adebisi]

I was reading your post C-ka, few times actually, and couldn't get your point... Could you enlight us please :rolleyes:

[lafa]

I was reading your post C-ka, few times actually, and couldn't get your point... Could you enlight us please :rolleyes:

i think his post has two parts. part one - where he's angry that newspaper doesn't announce what are salaries of players in rytas club. part two - he knew, that price was a bargain, but he was surprised that such quality player could cost that little money... that is of course my opinion, c-ka could correct me if i'm wrong :)

[C-ka]

I was reading your post C-ka, few times actually, and couldn't get your point... Could you enlight us please :rolleyes:
:rolleyes:
1. Maciulis getting the sae money as suppostedly the new main PG of Dynamo Moscow?:rolleyes:
2. Never heard yet Rytas revealing the salary of, say, Eidson, but somehow they know the situation with Zalgiris or other teams.
3. You may read out from the paper that Price was getting less than 300k a season, which I find difficult to believe these days.

[DiForza]

:rolleyes:

3. You may read out from the paper that Price was getting less than 300k a season, which I find difficult to believe these days.

yea, of course :D player from world-known superclub csf is worthy 600k, o no, maybe more, besides his statistics is average (13pts per game) and he certainly "dont want to try himself" in euroleague (little discount in negotiations). yea yea

[C-ka]

yea, of course :D player from world-known superclub csf is worthy 600k, o no, maybe more, besides his statistics is average (13pts per game) and he certainly "dont want to try himself" in euroleague (little discount in negotiations). yea yea
ye ye, you know it better, sport. ;D

[Marius123]

D. Collins is leaving Žalgiris - he signed a contract with Lokomotiv Rostov. (That's from the official site of the Russian club. EDIT: And Žalgiris website has confirmed this too.)

[Straight forward]

D. Collins is leaving Žalgiris - he signed a contract with Lokomotiv Rostov. (That's from the official site of the Russian club. EDIT: And Žalgiris website has confirmed this too.)

Too bad. Good luck for him, anyway. I wonder who'll be the main PG next season. Maybe that will mean more chances for youngsters.

[adebisi]

Maybe that will mean more chances for youngsters.
Would be great to see Kalnietis playing more than 7mpg in Euroleague :rolleyes:

[Dohh]

I agree with the previous

[vaslover]

Guys,what about Sabonis son? Will is he play for LTU under 16 or he prefer to play for Spain? Thanks.

[Sss]

Guys,what about Sabonis son? Will is he play for LTU under 16 or he prefer to play for Spain? Thanks.

He will play for LTU under 16 NT. Of course, if he will make it. He is now in Lithuania and he made to the last 16 (from 25 or something like that), but I doubt that he will be in the team (we have quite good 1992 generation).

If, he will be in the NT or coaches will see some potential in him (or something like that), Tautvydas will go to live in Kaunas and to study basketball secrets :D in Sabonis BS and possibly to play for the third Zalgiris team (or second if you won't count Kaunas as the Zalgiris youngsters anymore :p ). At least, this is what I understood from the papers.

http://g.diena.lt/00/02/859ac9.jpg

Sabonis, Valanciunas and Cizauskas.

[vaslover]

He will play for LTU under 16 NT. Of course, if he will make it. He is now in Lithuania and he made to the last 16 (from 25 or something like that), but I doubt that he will be in the team (we have quite good 1992 generation).

If, he will be in the NT or coaches will see some potential in him (or something like that), Tautvydas will go to live in Kaunas and to study basketball secrets :D in Sabonis BS and possibly to play for the third Zalgiris team (or second if you won't count Kaunas as the Zalgiris youngsters anymore :p ). At least, this is what I understood from the papers.

http://g.diena.lt/00/02/859ac9.jpg

Sabonis, Valanciunas and Cizauskas.
Thanks for ample answer.

[911]

Loren Woods back in Zalgiris. Long armed coward center returned from Houston Rockets and will continue to play in Lithuania. This is the best achievement this summer.

[DiForza]

he plays terribly with back 1 on 1, doesn't have rich offence arsenal, but can be valuable in defence. But only in zone, not personal. Although this, good sign.

[911]

He is very strong rebounder, and better than Eurelijus Zukauskas. When he is on court - no chance fot any team to win a rebounding match. If zalgiris will remove marcus brown from roster - they will be serious team, even can go to the top 8. But if they will keep Marcus Brown - good luck next year..

[EugeneUkraine]

Who can translate?

http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=80750

[lafa]

Who can translate?

http://www.krepsinis.net/news.php?news_id=80750

according to šaras delininkaitis and prekevicius are cool dudes :)

[re5pectas]

One of them suppose to play as second PG;
"Delininkaitis is more SG, who likes to attack, Prekevicius is different, he likes to control team... But i don't know who will fit better"
and finishing the conversation:

according to šaras delininkaitis and prekevicius are cool dudes :)

[EugeneUkraine]

Thanks guys. I will be lithuanian fan next month anyway.

[Devotion]

haha zalgiris didnt receive gift from goverment 6,5 million and blaming everybody around now. gediminas navikauskas is begging for money and multimiollioner Sabonis also. Sabas blaming goverment because they dont care about zalgiris, sabas is owner and even he dont want to give any cent to zalgiris budget, so why goverment must give? this was the most pathetic news about basketball after sarunas kliokys eurobasket retardations

[joker]

haha zalgiris didnt receive gift from goverment 6,5 million and blaming everybody around now. gediminas navikauskas is begging for money and multimiollioner Sabonis also. Sabas blaming goverment because they dont care about zalgiris, sabas is owner and even he dont want to give any cent to zalgiris budget, so why goverment must give? this was the most pathetic news about basketball after sarunas kliokys eurobasket retardations

Stop lying.

Kaunas municipality owns 35% of Žalgiris' shares. It was agreed that municipality will approve the sum to be given to Žalgiris on summer or as early as possible because the club must know its budget before buying new players. But this year on its last meeting Kaunas municipality canceled this question and went on holiday. They will come back on autumn and only then Žalgiris will know what sum the club will receive from the city.

We'll have a parliamentary election this autumn so maybe that's why municipality behaves like this.

[And1ao]

He will play for LTU under 16 NT. Of course, if he will make it. He is now in Lithuania and he made to the last 16 (from 25 or something like that), but I doubt that he will be in the team (we have quite good 1992 generation).

If, he will be in the NT or coaches will see some potential in him (or something like that), Tautvydas will go to live in Kaunas and to study basketball secrets :D in Sabonis BS and possibly to play for the third Zalgiris team (or second if you won't count Kaunas as the Zalgiris youngsters anymore :p ). At least, this is what I understood from the papers.

http://g.diena.lt/00/02/859ac9.jpg

Sabonis, Valanciunas and Cizauskas.
[English or provide a translation]

[re5pectas]

as tai galvojau ,kad cia seibutis is rozos panasus
Talk in english. Or provide translation.

[Devotion]

as tai galvojau ,kad cia seibutis is rozos panasus

Translation: "I thought that it is Seibutis, very similar face."

[sarunas9]

[English or provide a translation]

[And1ao]

Talk in english. Or provide translation.
my english knowledge its not so good to speak everiting english language.

[elaj]

my english knowledge its not so good to speak everiting english language.
First learn the language then go writing it here... It's an English only forum.

[hot_sauce23]

M.Popovic is close to Unics Kazan. Source:

http://http://www.infosport.lt/news.php?news_id=20352&sport=10 (http://www.infosport.lt/news.php?news_id=20352&sport=10)

[re5pectas]

my english knowledge its not so good to speak everiting english language.
You'll have to try, if you want to post in this forum.
Or, after writing in lithuanian - translate, if something will be wrong, someone will correct you, in your translation.

[And1ao]

M.Popovic is close to Unics Kazan. Source:

http://http://www.infosport.lt/news.php?news_id=20352&sport=10 (http://www.infosport.lt/news.php?news_id=20352&sport=10)
i think its only rumour its no reason marko to go in kazan.tau,zagreb now[English or provide a translation]

[Bullock]

Financial crisis in Zalgiris

Zalgiris Kaunas still has not payed to Popovic, Zukauskas, Markota, Jurak and even former players like Machado and Mottola...

[joker]

Financial crisis in Zalgiris

Zalgiris Kaunas still has not payed to Popovic, Zukauskas, Markota, Jurak and even former players like Machado and Mottola...

According to "Lietuvos rytas" daily, Žalgiris is in constant financial crisis since... 1999 or 2000? Correct me please if I forgot something.

[Devotion]

Zalgiris management is pathetic, no arena, no salaries, only beggings for money and zalfans cover up stories, that everything is allright. Of course this might happen to every club which GM did not even finished school and only useful to tell countrystyle jokes (Sabonis). Nobody want to invest into zalgiris anymore and it desperatly searching for new investors but unfortunatly there are no such many fools. All money were spent to african americans, and all young talents of lithuania were doomed on da bench. Mantas Kalnietis, Darius Silinskis, Arturas Milaknis... omg the list is too long and not worth to mention because all those talents are worth 0 now and useless like used condoms. Zalgiris admited the mistake and created second LKL team named "Kaunas". I wish only good luck to those kids, I don't want any more pointguardless NT.

It is good that this forums exist, I heard even KK "Kaunas" GM Paulius Motiejunas reading this. This is good that all world will hear this story and no more covering ups and blaming capital city team or kaunas city goverment on problems.

[Sss]

Zalgiris management is pathetic, no arena, no salaries, only beggings for money and zalfans cover up stories, that everything is allright. Of course this might happen to every club which GM did not even finished school and only useful to tell countrystyle jokes (Sabonis). Nobody want to invest into zalgiris anymore and it desperatly searching for new investors but unfortunatly there are no such many fools. All money were spent to african americans, and all young talents of lithuania were doomed on da bench. Mantas Kalnietis, Darius Silinskis, Arturas Milaknis... omg the list is too long and not worth to mention because all those talents are worth 0 now and useless like used condoms. Zalgiris admited the mistake and created second LKL team named "Kaunas". I wish only good luck to those kids, I don't want any more pointguardless NT.

It is good that this forums exist, I heard even KK "Kaunas" GM Paulius Motiejunas reading this. This is good that all world will hear this story and no more covering ups and blaming capital city team or kaunas city goverment on problems.

yes... there was (are) some problems this year with reaching the budget. I won't go into details, but I hope that everyting will be solved fine....

But (almost) every year Zalgiris constantly adds 1-2 million of litas to its budget. Four/five years ago we were one of the last ones in the market. Buying players in September, not to mention having such players like Brown or Popo in the team or keeping (99%) Maciulis and Jankunas from rich bastards :D . And isn't the next year will be the first one, when we will have a gap between the 1st and the 2nd Lithuanian club?
So please, stop this BS.

PS: and I see that people are evaluating Zalgiris youth system super high. Expecting that every kid (even those who didn't played in any youth NT) would grew a superstar. It's sad, but it isn't so superb :(
:D

[Z.A.L.I.A.]

It is good that this forums exist, I heard even KK "Kaunas" GM Paulius Motiejunas reading this. This is good that all world will hear this story and no more covering ups and blaming capital city team or kaunas city goverment on problems.
And when "all world will hear this story" what exactly should happen then?

[joker]

And when "all world will hear this story" what exactly should happen then?

Then all the world will realise that even with pathetic management, no salaries, no arena, no money, no sponsors and no young talents, Žalgiris is still number one in Lithuania :)

[Devotion]

And this seams like 3rd world county. Even With this pathetic management zalgiris is no1...

[Z.A.L.I.A.]

And this seams like 3rd world county. Even With this pathetic management zalgiris is no1...

Wanna be the best - prove it. Everyone has its chance, but I gues it's easier to talk then to do actual job.

[Marius123]

Nobody want to invest into zalgiris anymore and it desperatly searching for new investors but unfortunatly there are no such many fools.
Why do I have a feeling that you're a Rytas fan? :D

Now seriously, Žalgiris' budget has been constantly expanding these last few years, and it's a fact. Players like Marcus and Marko don't play for you for a slice of bread without butter, you know...

Let's wait and see how this situation pans out, then we can talk. Temporary problems with payments can happen to anyone (OK, not to Abramovich' sport clubs probably :D ), but if it's only temporary - no need to panic.

[Marius123]

It is good that this forums exist, I heard even KK "Kaunas" GM Paulius Motiejunas reading this. This is good that all world will hear this story and no more covering ups and blaming capital city team or kaunas city goverment on problems.

Yes, the more you write, the clearer the world will hear the message. And even BC "Kaunas" management will get to know it. Go ahead! :D

[Marius123]

Financial crisis in Zalgiris

Zalgiris Kaunas still has not payed to ... Zukauskas ...

BTW, responding to this news in an interview, Žalgiris GM Navikauskas mentioned that the club is negotiating with E. Žukauskas for a new contract (because the old man proved that he "still has some firepowder" ).

I think it's good, old Žukis as a backup C for 10-15 minutes per game.

[Devotion]

BTW, responding to this news in an interview, Žalgiris GM Navikauskas mentioned that the club is negotiating with E. Žukauskas for a new contract (because the old man proved that he "still has some firepowder" ).

I think it's good, old Žukis as a backup C for 10-15 minutes per game.


Funny, just before the summer everybody was talking about Darjus Lavrinovic and Robertas Javtokas and now about Eurelijus Zukauskas. Eurelijus is only useful in the estates. And then zalgiris talking about Tomas Delininkaitis, who wasn't good enough for Lietuvos Rytas and lost the battle in the NT to Marius Prekevicius, and all Zalgiris fans were laughing that Rytas bought Prekevicius.

[Marius123]

Funny, just before the summer everybody was talking about Darjus Lavrinovic and Robertas Javtokas and now about Eurelijus Zukauskas.

It was certainly not everybody. (I didn't!) It was the less reasonble part of the fans and media, I'd say.

What's your point, actually? There were some rumours in the press concerning Žalgiris' interest in certain players, some enthusiastic fans surely did salivate about it, so what?


Eurelijus is only useful in the estates.

"Estates" ? :D What the hell is that supposed to mean? Estates General?

In the LKL finals, Eurelijus showed who is useful where. :) Considering he was acquired for a back-up centre role, he had a good season.


And then zalgiris talking about Tomas Delininkaitis, who wasn't good enough for Lietuvos Rytas and lost the battle in the NT to Marius Prekevicius, and all Zalgiris fans were laughing that Rytas bought Prekevicius.

Will you cut this crap? "All Žalgiris fans this", "all Žalgiris fans that" ... I'm not laughing at Prekevičius, for once, and there are many Žalgiris fans who aren't either ... It's foolish to underestimate your opponent, to laugh about another team's young prospects. Prekevičius' story will be interesting next year, I guess being with the NT in Beijing will give him some confidence and useful experience. Might turn out to be a nice player for Rytas, though not anything sensational, I guess.

Considering Delininkaitis - nobody in his/her sane mind would expect great contribution from him. If Marko leaves, Tomas might be PG/SG backup, useful to some extent (like Serapinas was useful, but nothing more than that).

[Migelitas]

Funny, just before the summer everybody was talking about Darjus Lavrinovic and Robertas Javtokas and now about Eurelijus Zukauskas.

Maybe we don't talk about them, because we signed Woods.



And then zalgiris talking about Tomas Delininkaitis, who wasn't good enough for Lietuvos Rytas and lost the battle in the NT to Marius Prekevicius, and all Zalgiris fans were laughing that Rytas bought Prekevicius.

Of course Delininkaitis lost to Prekevičius a PG position in NT, he isn't PG. Žalgiris needs SG and Delininkaitis as backup SG would be fine.

[sz3312]

July 27, Vilnius. Friendly game against Finland National Team.

Who have the LIVE?thanks

[Bullock]

Marko Popovic left Zalgiris. Croatian pointguard is seriuosly angry on Zalgiris management

[Prodigy]

July 27, Vilnius. Friendly game against Finland National Team.

Who have the LIVE?thanks

Just returned from that game. What do you mean have LIVE?

Popovic escaped from Zalgiris. Rumours says that financial status of Zalgiris is not very good.

[C-ka]

Marko Popovic left Zalgiris. Croatian pointguard is seriuosly angry on Zalgiris management
wuw... :D actually, you could be fair and write what's written in the actually news about him signing with UNICS. It's said there, that he wanted to stay, but UNICS offered him a hell a lot of money. 1mio per year, to be exact. Now you can rely on his interview to the paper as much as you want, but this one-sided tactics some childish Rytas fans have taken here simply sucks.

[Prodigy]

wuw... :D actually, you could be fair and write what's written in the actually news about him signing with UNICS. It's said there, that he wanted to stay, but UNICS offered him a hell a lot of money. 1mio per year, to be exact. Now you can rely on his interview to the paper as much as you want, but this one-sided tactics some childish Rytas fans have taken here simply sucks.

I was told that in this forums people are smart, and I see one is not. You need to go to Lithuanian forums and talk with children about Rytas and Zalgiris fans. you blame Rytas newspaper on desinformation (really can happen) but you trust rumours about "hell a lot of money".

[C-ka]

I was told that in this forums people are smart, and I see one is not. You need to go to Lithuanian forums and talk with children about Rytas and Zalgiris fans. you blame Rytas newspaper on desinformation (really can happen) but you trust rumours about "hell a lot of money".
Show me where I blamed anything. Show me where I said I trust something with all my heart.:)
The fine thing is the news post writen in media doesn't say anything about how he's seriously angry. It says only about the money. While here, someone misses that part (to be shorter, huh?), but allows himself to interpret the situation based on another article made by Lietuvos rytas. Now even if the interview is purely true and perfectly translated word by word, it wasn't said that Popo left Zalgiris because he's angry. That's how it is. Little thingzzz... But annoying.

And thanks for telling me that I'm stupid, I'll work on that. I mean, you know it all well, right? ;)

[DiForza]

http://www.williemdeaneiii.com/ Žalgiris rookie Will Deane 3 website :)

[Basket_]

Žalgiris started preparation for the new season. So far just 4 players joined to the trainings. Janavičius will come on Thursday, Deane on Saturday, while Woods and Brown - during first days of September.

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis01.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis02.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis03.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis04.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis05.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis06.JPG

http://www.zalgiris.lt/saugykla/naujienos/treniruote_rugpjutis07.JPG

[Basket_]

W.Deane came to Lithuania

http://www.basketnews.lt/images/news/other/deane-didele3.jpg

[Mayo]

Willie definately made a good first impression on me,arrived in style,nice suit,showing that he's all business.Seems like a smart guy as well.Lets hope he will be the next in the line of great Zalgiris point guards: Edney,D.C,Ed Cota and Robert Pack.

[Marius123]

Willie definately made a good first impression on me,arrived in style,nice suit,showing that he's all business.Seems like a smart guy as well.Lets hope he will be the next in the line of great Zalgiris point guards: Edney,D.C,Ed Cota and Robert Pack.

It seems he's really concentrated to rise to the new challenge - playing in the Euroleague. I hope too he's successful in Žalgiris. Fingers crossed.

So what have we got at the moment?

PG: Deane, Kalnietis, Janavičius
SG: Brown
SF: Mačiulis, Šalenga
PF: Jankūnas, Klimavičius
C: Woods, Varda

We're thin at the wings position, still waiting for the Brown's substitute.

What about the frontcourt? Is Jankūnas-Klimavičius-Woods-Varda line-up enough for Euroleague matches? I can see a lack of brawn in the paint, having these guys only...

[kecal]

What about the frontcourt? Is Jankūnas-Klimavičius-Woods-Varda line-up enough for Euroleague matches? I can see a lack of brawn in the paint, having these guys only...

I hope Motiejūnas get his chances this season. If not, I blame "Žalgiris" for destroying our brightest future.

Sabonis started to play at the highest level at 16 (I might be wrong with this one). Motiejūnas is also extremely talented and he's 17. Let's get him some work to do - at least as the 5th frontcourt player...

[Straight forward]

Sabonis started to play at the highest level at 16 (I might be wrong with this one). Motiejūnas is also extremely talented and he's 17. Let's get him some work to do - at least as the 5th frontcourt player...

On other hand, Sabonis trashed his legs after he played in every tournament he could. Motiejunas is already playing too much and, imho, LKL is just fine for him at the moment.

[Basket_]

I hope Motiejūnas get his chances this season. If not, I blame "Žalgiris" for destroying our brightest future.

Sabonis started to play at the highest level at 16 (I might be wrong with this one). Motiejūnas is also extremely talented and he's 17. Let's get him some work to do - at least as the 5th frontcourt player...
It seems Motiejunas don't want to play in Zalgiris yet. He wants to play a lot, to get important role in the team, so thats why he's choosing between Kaunas and Aisciai.

[Mindozas]

I hope Motiejūnas get his chances this season. If not, I blame "Žalgiris" for destroying our brightest future.

Sabonis started to play at the highest level at 16 (I might be wrong with this one). Motiejūnas is also extremely talented and he's 17. Let's get him some work to do - at least as the 5th frontcourt player...

No offense Kecal, but what are you talkin' about? Blame Zalgiris? for what?After such your comments, I wonder have you even seen Motiejunas at all? He's too thin and too weak physically to play in Euroleague or against Rytas. Maybe he could do smth in offense, but in defence he's still too weak to do smth against best frontcourt players in Europe. Even in U-20 championship final Macvan did almost all what he want against him and mostly because he's too strong physically for Donatas. Because of that he could play in Zalgiris only some time in LKL or BBL, so there's no point at all for Motiejunas to be 5th frontcourt player in Zalgiris. So it's very good decision of him not to hurry things up and to play in LKL for "BC Kaunas" or maybe "Aisciai". He will play much more time, he'll get more experience playin' solid minutes against best centers in LKL. He still have to work and to work a lot (especially to get stronger physically) to be a valuable player for Zalgiris in all competitions (I mean to have guaranteed at least 15min on the court).
And one more thing I don't like, when people (it's not only about you Kecal ;)) are comparing players with each other, f.e. Sabas at same age was like that and Motiejunas is still not the same, so we have let him play more, cause he must be our new Sabas and stuff like that. Janavicius should be new Saras and etc. What's the point of that? It's only bigger pressure for young players, when they always hears things like that, especially when some journalist ask such questions. It's pointless. Let them be themselfs and have own career, without any comparings

[LuDux]

According to basketnews.lt (http://www.basketnews.lt/news-16518-motiejunas-karjera-tes-aisciuose.html) Motiejunas chose to play in Aisciai


According to LKL.lt (http://www.lkl.lt/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz0xNSZvX2xlYWc9MSZmdXNlYWN0aW 9uPXRlYW1zLm1haW4mdD00Mw==) Milaknis will play for Zalgiris

Interesting that Zalgiris has 3 pg's. Maybe they'll try to use Salenga Milaknis and Kalnietis as 2nd SG? At least in the beginning.

[Z.A.L.I.A.]

According to basketnews.lt (http://www.basketnews.lt/news-16518-motiejunas-karjera-tes-aisciuose.html) Motiejunas chose to play in Aisciai


According to LKL.lt (http://www.lkl.lt/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz0xNSZvX2xlYWc9MSZmdXNlYWN0aW 9uPXRlYW1zLm1haW4mdD00Mw==) Milaknis will play for Zalgiris

Interesting that Zalgiris has 3 pg's. Maybe they'll try to use Salenga Milaknis and Kalnietis as 2nd SG? At least in the beginning.

In an interview with R.Grigas, it was mentioned that they will try to put Kalnietis as sg.

[Sss]

Milaknis is training with BC Kaunas (as Butkevicius by the way).

So, if Motiejunas goes to Aisciai. BC Kaunas looks preliminary something like this:
C: Cepukatis, Ramanauskas
PF: Butkevicius
SF: Vene, Lipkevicius.
SG: Milaknis, Juskevicius (PG).
PG: Vasiliauskas

Third (or second) team something like this:
C: Cepanonis (1989), Urbonas (1992)
PF: Drungilas (1990), Jakstas (1992)
SF: Pukinskas (1989), Girdvila (1990), Rutkauskas (1989)
SG: Cizauskas (1992), Mikulicius (1990)
PG: Vensckus (1991), Ruokis (1990)
based on:
http://www.zalgiris.lt/LT/naujienos/zinutes/4044/
and this:
http://www.zalgiris.lt/LT/naujienos/zinutes/4038/
ofcourse, there will be changes.

[kestas]

I hope Motiejūnas get his chances this season.

theoretically, I think it, is possible that Motiejunas could be usefull in Euroleague, but in practice it's hardly imaginable, especially when Zalgiris is a team that can't afford any risks. on the other hand, it's rather surprising Zalgiris didn't mention Stimac this summer. It looks like he's gone for good (?).

[Mindozas]

theoretically, I think it, is possible that Motiejunas could be usefull in Euroleague, but in practice it's hardly imaginable, especially when Zalgiris is a team that can't afford any risks. on the other hand, it's rather surprising Zalgiris didn't mention Stimac this summer. It looks like he's gone for good (?).

Stimac signed with Crvena Zvezda some time ago. It's understandable why Zalgiris didn't sign him, it's 'cause he'd take foreigner place. If he would be lithuanian, then I have no doubts that we would saw him in Zalgiris main team, maybe even last season. But now we needed someone better and with more experience for PF/C position, so Zalgiris signed R.Varda

[Marius123]

Maybe they'll try to use Salenga Milaknis and Kalnietis as 2nd SG?

Without buying a back-up? Might be the case. Very risky. I'd expect the most from Šalenga in this position, he played as SG quite well when he was in tandem with Timinskas. If he's less rusty than in the previous season, that is.

[Mindozas]

Without buying a back-up? Might be the case. Very risky. I'd expect the most from Šalenga in this position, he played as SG quite well when he was in tandem with Timinskas. If he's less rusty than in the previous season, that is.

Zalgiris will buy someone for a back-up in SG/PG position. Imo, there's no way we will stay like this with only Brown and Dean as experienced guards (let's not forget that we don't know how Dean will adapt in the team and in EL's level). Yes, Salenga might play as SG too, but somehow I don't believe that he'll play much time there, maybe for some mins, cause in other way Maciulis would play almost 40mins per game.
Also I'd guess, one more addition should be player in PF/C position, cause I can't imagine a team with only 4 frontcourt players. Of course it should be a role player, smth like Zukis or someone else.
As Grigas said, probably additions will be made during pre-season friendlies, when coaches will see what team needs the most.
Damn, I'd like too see Slanina and maybe Zukis in Zalgiris :)

[Shneider]

Milaknis is training with BC Kaunas (as Butkevicius by the way).

So, if Motiejunas goes to Aisciai. BC Kaunas looks preliminary something like this:
C: Cepukatis, Ramanauskas
PF: Butkevicius
SF: Vene, Lipkevicius.
SG: Milaknis, Juskevicius (PG).
PG: Vasiliauskas

Third (or second) team something like this:
C: Cepanonis (1989), Urbonas (1992)
PF: Drungilas (1990), Jakstas (1992)
SF: Pukinskas (1989), Girdvila (1990), Rutkauskas (1989)
SG: Cizauskas (1992), Mikulicius (1990)
PG: Vensckus (1991), Ruokis (1990)
based on:
http://www.zalgiris.lt/LT/naujienos/zinutes/4044/
and this:
http://www.zalgiris.lt/LT/naujienos/zinutes/4038/
ofcourse, there will be changes.
In Bc "Kaunas" you should add V.Jasikevicius as I know he will play there.
In second Zalgiris team, also can write - Jakas, Sabas, and probably Gudeliauskas ;)

[Marius123]

Zalgiris will buy someone for a back-up in SG/PG position. Imo, there's no way we will stay like this with only Brown and Dean as experienced guards (let's not forget that we don't know how Dean will adapt in the team and in EL's level). Yes, Salenga might play as SG too, but somehow I don't believe that he'll play much time there, maybe for some mins, cause in other way Maciulis would play almost 40mins per game.

zalgiris.lt reports that they are interested in Alex García, have sent him a proposal and are waiting for his final answer. Reportedly, the club and the player have agreed the terms, but there's still a problem - García's wife, who's reluctant to go and live in Lithuania.

What do you guys think if this comes true? A nice defensive-minded physical guard, to come off the bench instead of the scoring machine Brown?


Also I'd guess, one more addition should be player in PF/C position, cause I can't imagine a team with only 4 frontcourt players. Of course it should be a role player, smth like Zukis or someone else.

Most probably, this new signing will be E. Žukauskas - the terms are agreed, it only remains to put on the signatures, and this should happen at any moment now. Also confirmed by zalgiris.lt.

[Straight forward]

Kalnietis is experienced enough. All he need now is playing time and not 8-15 minutes, he needs 20minutes at least. I hate that Grigas is not risking with Kalnietis, this is the only way to brake out. I heard that Kalnietis will be used as SG as well, i hope that is true. I don't see the problem with Brown, Dean, Kalnietis, Salenga, Janavicius occuping guards line. If Zalgiris will decide that this is not enough, i don't mind to see Garcia in Kaunas. He's a great player.

[Migelitas]

Today Žalgiris' website renewed roster page. Deane took no.17, Varda 14, Woods 7 (a season ago he took 15), Šalenga changed his no. from 10 to 20.

http://www.zalgiris.lt/LT/klubas/komanda/